Backpack with reflective fabric material

ABSTRACT

A backpack that includes reflective fabric that is incorporated into the outer shell of the backpack. When viewed during daylight, the reflective fabric does not appear to be reflective, but instead has the look and feel of conventional backpack fabric. However, when a light is pointed at the backpack when it is dark, the reflective fabric reflects the light. In this manner, use of reflective fabric in a backpack permits the backpack to have reflective safety features, yet the backpack is attractive during the day. The backpack may also include lightning-weave fabric and meteor-weave fabric.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to luggage, and moreparticularly to a backpack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Backpacks have become quite popular, especially for use bystudents, or by professionals wanting a more casual bag in which tocarry personal items to work instead of the traditional briefcase. Mostcontemporary backpacks include two shoulder straps so that a backpackmay be carried entirely on the back and/or shoulders of a user, allowingthe user to have both hands free for carrying other items or forsteering a bicycle, for example.

[0003] Recently, backpacks have been provided with reflectors so that aperson wearing such a backpack may be more easily viewable at night. Thereflectors work well for their intended purpose, in that they reflectlight to make a wearer more visible. However, during the day, thereflectors are bold and gaudy, and significantly detract from theappearance of the backpack. Moreover, conventional plastic reflectorsare stiff and may scratch or break when the backpack is stored or isbumped into objects. For these reasons, a consumer may not desire topurchase or wear a backpack having reflectors, even though suchbackpacks have enhanced safety features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a backpack that includesreflective fabric that is incorporated into the outer shell of thebackpack. When viewed during daylight, the reflective fabric does notappear to be reflective, but instead has the look and feel ofconventional backpack fabric. However, when a light is pointed at thebackpack when it is dark, the reflective fabric reflects the light. Inthis manner, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, useof reflective fabric in a backpack permits the backpack to havereflective safety features, yet the backpack is attractive during theday.

[0005] The reflective fabric may be provided in any location on theouter shell of the backpack, but preferably is arranged in a conspicuouslocation or locations so that the reflective fabric may enhancevisibility at night. The reflective fabric is lightweight and may beused in place of other materials, and thus does not substantially addweight or bulk to the backpack.

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, thereflective fabric includes a reflective yarn and a nylon yarn. Tocontrast the reflective features of the reflective yarn, the nylon ispreferably black or another dark color. In addition, the nylon ispreferably woven into the fabric so that that there are lengths of thenylon exposed, which enhances the ability of the nylon to absorb light,adding further contrast.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thebackpack may incorporate a lightning-weave fabric. That is, a fabrichaving different color warp and weft yarns, in which a staggereddiagonal pattern of either the weft or warp is provided such that, for afirst number of yarns (e.g., three), a first length of the yarns (e.g.,sufficient to extend over two background, or warp, yarns) extends out ofa portion of the pattern, and then for a second, adjacent number ofyarns (e.g., three), a second, smaller length of the yarns (e.g.,sufficient to extend over one background, or warp, yarn) extends out ofan adjacent portion of the pattern. This pattern is repeated over thefabric, so that sections form viewable diagonal sections havingalternating lengths. The pattern creates an optical illusion in whichthe longer lengths of yarns appear to be coming out of the fabric.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thebackpack may incorporate a meteor-weave fabric. The meteor-weave fabricis a flexible material that includes an embossed finish so that portionsof the fabric have indentations.

[0009] Other advantages will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a backpack incorporatingreflective material in accordance with the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 1, showingthe backpack mounted on an individual and the reflective materialreflecting light emitted from an automobile;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a detail view of the reflective material for thebackpack of FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a detail view of a lightning-weave material for use onthe backpack of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a detail view of a meteor-weave material for use on thebackpack of FIG. 1; and

[0015]FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along the section lines 6-6 inFIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following description, various aspects of the presentinvention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specificconfigurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will also beapparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known featuresmay be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the presentinvention.

[0017] Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows abackpack 20 incorporating the present invention. Briefly described, thebackpack 20 includes a reflective fabric 22 on a portion of its outershell 24. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the reflective fabric 22 shines whena light is shined on it, e.g., by the headlights of an automobile A.

[0018] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the backpack 20 includes a front panel30 that is attached to a bottom panel (not shown, but the bottom panelextends along a bottom surface of the backpack). Left and right sidepanels 32, 34 extend along the front panel 30, from the sides of thebottom panel, upward to a top panel 36 of the backpack 20. The sidepanels 32, 34, and the top panel 36 form a rounded outer contour of theshell 24 of the backpack 20. The side panels 32, 34, the bottom panel,and the top panel 36 are attached to a back panel 38.

[0019] A flap 40 is attached to a bottom, front edge of the front panel30. The flap 40 is rounded at a top end, matching the rounded outercontour of the shell 24. A continuous elastic band 42 is laced acrossthe front of the flap 40. The elastic band 42 is threaded through loops44 that are attached at the juncture of the side panels 32, 34 and thefront panel 30, and also through loops 46 that are centered on the flap40.

[0020] The elastic band 42 holds the flap 40 in place so as to form apouch into which large items may be placed, such a laptop computer or anotebook. The elastic band 42 includes a slide ring 48 so that it may betightened to hold an item more securely.

[0021] The front panel 30 includes a zipper closure 50 or other closuremechanism so that the front panel may be detached, at least partially,from the side panels 32, 34 and the top panel 36. Two zipper pulls 52,54 are provided on the zipper closure 50 so that a user may grip one orboth of the zipper pulls to unzip the zipper closure. In this manner, aportion of the front panel 30 may be hinged down and away from the restof the backpack 20. This feature allows convenient access to an innercompartment or inner compartments of the backpack 20.

[0022] The side panels 32, 34 each include pouches 56 (only one shown inFIG. 1) having zipper closures 58 at upper ends. The zipper closures 58include a zipper pull 60 that may be gripped to unzip the zipper closureso as to gain access to the internal components of the respective pouch56. Mesh pockets 62 are provided on the outside of the side pouches 56,and provide storage for quickly-accessible items. Additional pouches,straps, or containers may be provided at different locations on thebackpack 20 so that a user may attach or store other items (e.g.,additional baggage, a laptop computer, or a cup) either on the inside oron the outside of the backpack 20.

[0023] The front panel 20 includes a handle 64 that permits a user toeasily pick up or carry the backpack 20. The handle may includecushioning material to relieve strain on a user's hand.

[0024] The back panel 38 includes a shoulder harness 70 (only a portionof which is shown in FIG. 1, but the construction and configuration ofwhich is known). The shoulder harness 70 includes two shoulder straps,which permits the backpack 20 to be carried on the shoulders of a user,so that the user's hands are free to ride a bicycle or carry otheritems, for example.

[0025] The front panel 30, the bottom panel, the side panels 32, 34, thetop panel 36, and the back panel 38 are preferably formed of soft,flexible materials, such as fabrics (e.g., canvas, leather, nylon, orthe like). In addition, the pouches, flaps, and pockets of the backpack20 are preferably formed of flexible material. Forming the backpack outof flexible material aids in comfort for a user, provides flexibility inpacking, and permits the backpack to be stored in a tight storage space.However, the present invention may be incorporated in any type of bagthat is used by people to carry items on their body, and may have all orsome of its components made of rigid or semirigid materials, or anyother suitable structure.

[0026] When the backpack 20 is placed on the shoulders of a user, suchas is shown in FIG. 2, the outer shell 24, with the exception ofportions of the back panel 38, is visible to other people. The outershell 24 of the backpack 20 may be decorated as desired, such as in apleasing manner so that it is attractive and unobtrusive to the eye, orin loud or bright manner so that it may appeal to other purchasers.

[0027] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, at leasta portion of the outer shell 24 is covered with the reflective fabric22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the reflective material islocated on a front edge of the top panel 36. However, the reflectivefabric may be provided in any number of different visible locations onthe backpack, including but not limited to the front panel 30, thebottom panel, the side panels 32, 34, the top panel 36, and the backpanel 38, or on one the pockets, pouches, flaps, the shoulder harness 70or on other visible features of the backpack 20. Likewise, if adifferent design of a backpack is utilized, the reflective fabric may beincorporated into a visible portion of the different design.

[0028] Preferably, the reflective fabric 24 includes at least somereflective yarn, such as 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Yarn produced byMinnesota Mining and Manufacturing of Saint Paul, Minn. Scotchlite™reflective material has what is called “excellent angularity,” whichmeans it can be seen from direct to wide-angle approaches. Thereflective yarn is durable, retaining its brightness through manywearings and washings. 3M corporation claims that its reflectivematerial reflects fifteen hundred (1,500) times brighter than white atnight. Although 3M and corporations that use 3m products incorporate theScotchlite™ Reflective Material in clothing, helmets, and the like, thepresent inventor is not aware of its use with backpacks. Moreover, andimportantly, other companies that incorporate the Scotchlite™ ReflectiveMaterial add it as large reflective strips. Such strips may look gaudyon a backpack, and do not have the combined aesthetics and functionalityof the reflective fabric of the present invention. Finally, although thepresent invention is described as using Scotchlite™ Reflective Yarn,other yarns having reflective properties may be used.

[0029] The reflective fabric 22 also preferably includes glossy (shiny)black, nylon yarn, to add contrast to the reflective yarn and to enhancethe appearance of the fabric. Preferably, as is described further below,the glossy black, nylon yarn is exposed in fairly long segments on thevisible portions of the reflective fabric (e.g., 0.30 cm lengths) so asto provide maximum contrast to the reflective yarn.

[0030] A structure of one embodiment for the reflective fabric 22 isshown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment shown, the base for the reflectivefabric is a polyester yarn. The polyester yarn is preferably black so asto make the reflective yarn stand out in contrast. This base serves asthe warp yarn for the weaving process, and is shown by the number 80 inFIG. 3. Three weft yarns are used for the reflective fabric 22 shown inFIG. 3: the black polyester yarn (designated by the numeral 82 in FIG.3); glossy black, nylon yarn (designated by the numeral 84); and thereflective yarn (designated by the numeral 86).

[0031] In the embodiment of the reflective fabric shown in FIG. 3, theweft and warp yarns are weaved so that alternating squares extendingboth up and down the fabric have similar patterns. That is, thereflective fabric has a checkerboard pattern. A first series of thesquares of the checkerboard pattern (two are denoted by the numeral 90in FIG. 3) include tightly woven black polyester yarn 80, 82 for boththe weft and warp yarns, with a single strand of the reflective yarn 86woven as the center weft yarn for the square 90. The black polyesteryarn 80, 82 serves as a base for the reflective yarn 86 and the nylonyarn 84. The reflective yarn 86 stands in stark contrast to the blackbackground of the black polyester yarn 80, 82, however, if desired,other background colors may be used.

[0032] The second series of the squares of the checkerboard pattern (oneis denoted by the numeral 92 in FIG. 3) includes elongate lengths of theglossy black, nylon yarn 84 as weft yarn extending over the polyesterwarp yarn 80. The elongate lengths extend over top and bottom portionsof the front of the squares 92, and stand in stark contrast to thesquares 90 having the reflective yarn 86 therein.

[0033] The reflective fabric 22 of the present invention not onlyprovides reflective qualities, but also is an attractive outer fabricthat may be utilized on the outer surface of backpacks. In this manner,the reflective fabric serves a dual function of safety and aesthetics,in a flexible, durable fabric.

[0034] If desired, an inner lining (not shown) may be included behindthe reflective fabric 22. The inner lining may be formed of nylon,canvas, or another suitable material.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thebackpack 20 incorporates a novel, aesthetically pleasing,lightning-weave fabric 100. In the embodiment of the backpack 20 shownin FIG. 1, the lightning-weave fabric 100 is included on the pockets 56(designated by the numeral 1001), the front panel 30 (designated by thenumeral 1002), and the rear edge of the top panel 36 (designated by thenumeral 1003). However, if desired, the lightning-weave fabric may beincorporated into any parts of the outer shell or other visible parts ofthe backpack 20.

[0036] The details of the lightning-weave fabric 100 are shown in FIG.4. In summary, the lightning-weave fabric 100 includes a weft yarnhaving a first color, e.g., blue, and a warp yarn having a second color,e.g., black. The weft yarn is woven into the warp yarn so that the warpyarns form staggered, diagonally-arranged patterns in the weft yarn.Specifically, for the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a first weft yarn 110,extends outside two warp yarns, behind the next, outside the next two,behind the next, etc. The next weft yarn 110 ₂ extends in a similarfashion, but starts a row lower, so that it is staggered relative to thefirst weft yarn 110 ₁. The next weft yarn 110 ₃ is again similar, andagain starts a row lower.

[0037] The fourth weft yarn 110 ₄ extends outside one warp yarn, behindthe next two, outside the next one, behind the next two, etc. The outerportion of the fourth weft yarn 110 ₄ preferably aligns with the firstthree weft yarns, so that they are all on a diagonal. The next two weftyarns 110 ₅, 110 ₆ are similar, but staggered one down from theprevious. In this manner, the outer portions of the weft yarns 110 forma diagonal repeated pattern of: outside 2 warp yarns, outside 2, outside2, outside 1, outside 1, and outside 1. This repeating pattern providesan aesthetically-pleasing array of the weft yarn color, with portionswhere the weft yarn color (e.g., black) is more dominant, and otherportions where the warp yarn color (e.g., blue) is more dominant. Thearrangement, when repeated over a large surface, forms an opticalillusion where the “outside 2” portions of the weft yarns 100 appear tobe raised from the surface of the fabric. This effect is enhanced wherethe warp yarns are a bright color, such as a bright blue, and the weftyarns are a darker color, such as black. In addition, the effect isenhanced where the pattern is tightly woven and the yarns are not toothick, e.g., approximately 60 yarns per centimeter.

[0038] Although the described embodiment of the lightning weave fabricis one way of weaving the pattern, lightning weave fabric may begenerated by varying many of the factors of the production, such as thewidth of the yarns, the number of weft yarns that are extended over thewarp yarns the greater amount (i.e., in the example given, the number ofconsecutive yarns that extend over two warp yarns instead of one), thenumber of weft yarns that extend over the warp yarns the lesser amount(i.e., in the example given, the number of consecutive yarns that extendover one warp yarn), the number of warp yarns over which the weft yarnsextend (e.g., increase two to three for the greater amount), and inother methods.

[0039] In summary, however, the lightning-weave fabric preferablyincludes a diagonal pattern of yarns that is staggered so that, for afirst number of yarns, a first length of the yarns (e.g., sufficient toextend over two background, or warp, yarns) extends out of a portion ofthe pattern, and then for a second, adjacent number of yarns, a second,smaller length of the yarns (e.g., sufficient to extend over onebackground, or warp, yarn). This pattern is repeated over the fabric, sothat there are alternating diagonal sections having the first lengthfollowed by the second length. The pattern creates an optical illusionin which the longer length of yarns appears to be coming out of thefabric. An example of a lightning-weave fabric may be purchased fromHonmyue Enterprise Co., Ltd. in Taiwan, item number MTA006. Thelightning-weave fabric produced by Honmyue Enterprise includes 200DNylon as the weft yarn, and 300D polyester as the warp yarn, with a 0.2mm polyvinyl chloride (PVC) backing. However, other materials may beused.

[0040] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thebackpack 20 incorporates a novel, aesthetically pleasing, meteor-weavefabric 200. In the embodiment of the backpack 20 shown in FIG. 1, themeteor-weave fabric 200 is included on the flap (designated by thenumeral 200 ₁), the lower portion of the front panel 30 (designated bythe numeral 200 ₂), and a bottom panel of the backpack (not shown).However, if desired, the meteor-weave fabric may be incorporated intoany parts of the outer shell or other visible parts of the backpack 20.

[0041] As used herein, “meteor-weave fabric” is used to describe aflexible material that may be used as the outer shell of a backpack andwhich includes an embossed finish so that portions of the fabric haveindentations. As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the meteor-weave fabric200 includes raised ridgelines 202 extending around lower, concaveindentations 204. The concave indentations 204 are diamond-shaped.

[0042] The concave indentations 204 and the raised ridgelines 202 may beformed by embossing in a manner known in the art. As a nonlimitingexample, the meteor-weave fabric may be formed of a PVC powder andpolyurethane (PU) resin. The PVC powder is mixed with a plasticizer anda stabilizer, and color toner, if desired. The mixture is then coated,along with the PU resin on a release paper, and the combination islaminated. The release paper is removed, and the resulting product isembossed, for example by a silicon embossing roller. An example of ameteor-weave fabric formed using this method is manufactured by Nan YaPlastics Corporation of Taiwan, item number SFW2083.

[0043] Other techniques may be used to form the meteor weave fabric 200,but the fabric preferably is formed of a durable material, such as PVC,and included the indentations and raised lines described above. Theraised line/indentation pattern is aesthetically pleasing, in that theraised lines appear to be removed from the pattern. In addition, themeteor-weave fabric 200 provides a durable finish that provides wearprotection.

[0044] The features of the present invention may be utilized withbackpacks having multiple different configurations. For example, abackpack may include additional panels to those described with referenceto the backpack 20, may not include some or all of panels described withreference to the backpack 20, and/or may include different panels thanthe backpack 20 shown in the drawings. The presence of and configurationof the panels, and pouches and/or pockets on the backpack may also becompletely different than the arrangement in the described embodiment.In general, however, as used herein, the features of the presentinvention are incorporated in a backpack, meaning any type of bag orpack having a strap for attaching the bag to a user's body, includingbut not limited to rucksacks, knapsacks, packs, fanny packs, waist bags,and shoulder strap bags.

[0045] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention.Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof isshown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A backpack comprising: a harness; an outer shellattached to the shoulder harness and comprising: a reflective fabric. 2.The backpack of claim 1, wherein the reflective fabric comprises areflective yarn.
 3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the reflective yarnis woven into a base.
 4. The backpack of claim 3, wherein the basecomprises black yarn.
 5. The backpack of claim 4, wherein the black yarncomprise polyester.
 6. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the reflectivefabric comprises: a reflective yarn; and a nonreflective yarn, offsetfrom the reflective yarn.
 7. The backpack of claim 6, wherein thereflective fabric comprises a checkerboard pattern, and wherein thereflective yarn and the nonreflective yarn are woven into thecheckerboard pattern, with the nonreflective yarn being in a first setof squares in the checkerboard pattern, and the reflective yarn being ina second set of the checkerboard pattern.
 8. The backpack of claim 7,wherein the reflective yarn is woven into a base in the second set ofsquares.
 9. The backpack of claim 8, wherein the base comprises blackyarn.
 10. The backpack of claim 9, wherein the black yarn comprisespolyester.
 11. The backpack of claim 7, wherein the nonreflective yarnand the reflective yarn are woven into a warp yarn base, and wherein thenonreflective yarn extends out of and over the warp yarn basesubstantially the length of one of the squares of the first set ofsquares.
 12. The backpack of claim 11, wherein the nonreflective yarncomprises black yarn.
 13. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the blackyarn comprises nylon.
 14. The backpack of claim 11, wherein thenonreflective yarn comprises nylon.
 15. The backpack of claim 1, whereinthe reflective fabric comprises a warp yarn comprising nonreflectivematerial and a first weft yarn comprising reflective yarn.
 16. Thebackpack of claim 15, wherein the reflective fabric further comprises asecond weft yarn comprising nonreflective material.
 17. The backpack ofclaim 17, wherein the reflective fabric further comprises a third weftyarn comprising a glossy surface.
 18. The backpack of claim 17, whereinthe third weft yarn comprises nylon.
 19. The backpack of claim 17,wherein the second weft yarn and the warp yarn comprise a base for thereflective fabric, and wherein the reflective fabric comprises acheckerboard pattern, and wherein the reflective yarn and thenonreflective yarn are woven into the checkerboard pattern, with thenonreflective yarn being in a first set of squares in the checkerboardpattern, and the reflective yarn being in a second set of thecheckerboard pattern.
 20. The backpack of claim 19, wherein thenonreflective yarn and the reflective yarn are woven into the warp yarnbase, and wherein the nonreflective yarn extends out of and over thewarp yarn base substantially the length of one of the squares of thefirst set of squares.
 21. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the outershell further comprises lightning-weave fabric.
 22. The backpack ofclaim 21, wherein the outer shell further comprises meteor-weave fabric.23. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the outer shell further comprisesmeteor-weave fabric.
 24. A backpack comprising: a harness; an outershell attached to the shoulder harness and comprising: lightning-weavefabric.
 25. The backpack of claim 24, wherein the lightningweave fabriccomprises a diagonal pattern of yarns that is staggered so that, a firstnumber of yarns in which a first length of the yarns forms a portion ofthe pattern, and a second, adjacent number of yarns having a second,smaller length of the yarns that forms a part of the pattern, andwherein the pattern is repeated over the fabric, so that there arealternating diagonal sections having the first length followed by thesecond length.
 26. A backpack comprising: a harness; an outer shellattached to the shoulder harness and comprising: meteor-weave fabric.